The 2026 FIFA World Cup is entering its decisive moments of the group stage with teams battling for a place in the knockout rounds. Under the tournament's expanded 48-team format, qualification for knockout rounds is no longer reserved just for the group winners and runners-up. Also, the eight best third-placed teams across the 12 groups will take part, completing the 32-team knockout bracket for the round of 32. Here's what you need to know ahead of the final stint of the first phase:
Third-Place qualification explained
The 12 teams that finish third in their groups will be ranked in a separate table, with the top eight advancing to the Round of 32. Here's how they will be ranked:
- Greatest number of points obtained in all group matches
- Great goal difference resulting from all group matches
- Greatest number of goals scored in all group matches
- Highest team conduct score (players and team officials) relating to the number of yellow and red cards obtained in all group matches
- The two or more teams still equal on points shall be ranked according to the most recent published edition of the FIFA Men's World Ranking
How teams can qualify before knowing their position or opponent
Some teams may secure qualification for the knockout stages before their exact place in the bracket is confirmed. This can happen when a team is guaranteed to advance but the final ranking of qualifying third-place teams is still not confirmed. Those standings can change based on tiebreakers such as goal difference, goals scored, and other criteria; a team's knockout-round matchup and bracket position can remain uncertain until all group-stage matches are complete this week.
Current standings: Eight best third-placed teams
As of Wednesday, June 25, 9 a.m. ET.
| Pos | Team | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bosnia-Herzegovina | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 6 | -1 | 4 |
| 2 | Sweden | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 3 |
| 3 | Croatia | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 3 |
| 4 | Korea Republic | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 3 |
| 5 | Algeria | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 3 |
| 6 | Paraguay | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 3 |
| 7 | Scotland | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 3 |
| 8 | Cabo Verde | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 9 | Belgium | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| 10 | DR Congo | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 1 |
| 11 | Ecuador | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 1 |
| 12 | Senegal | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 0 |
